(WBBM NEWSRADIO) - Improved care for seniors in nursing homes is the aim of a major funding increase approved Thursday by Illinois state lawmakers.
The $2.5 million given to nursing homes each year will increase by nearly $700 million under the bill. But, to get the extra money, nursing homes are going to have to increase staffing levels so patients get better care. More money is also provided in the bill for higher pay for certified nursing assistants, jobs that have been hard-to-fill.
The bill would also provide a level of transparency so that the owners of long-term care facilities could not hide their identities.
The senior advocacy group AARP calls the legislation a step forward in offering safe, high quality and equitable care to residents. Governor Pritzker said the legislation would also allow the state to hold bad actors accountable.
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